Former World Champions Ray Mercer and Evander Holyfield To Battle Again

PhilBoxing.comThu, 09 Aug 2012

18 years ago Ray Mercer and Evander Holyfield fought in a 10-round war in which Holyfield won a unanimous decision…on February 2, 2013, in South Africa, the two former world champions will once again step between the ropes of the squared circle and go to battle in a four round exhibition match.

The rematch is part of The Nelson Mandela Boxing Tribute night, and there are talks about a matchup between Roy Jones Jr. and Steve Cunningham as well, although nothing has been confirmed.

“I am honored to be part of this celebration of Nelson Mandela and to be part of history,” said Mercer. “I am beyond motivated for this one, and I can hardly believe it is happening. I will be representing Find A Dream and I think it is a great way to give the organization the international exposure it deserves. It truly is an awesome feeling.”

Both men are highly decorated warriors within the boxing world, and have and continue to do much for the sport and communities across the nation inside and out of the ring.

Mercer has been a Board Director with Find A Dream—a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that reaches out to community children and provides them a healthy channel to find and work towards fulfilling a dream—for nearly two years, donating his time as often as possible.

Upcoming for the Olympic Gold Medalist is also a trip to London which he will be part of a brief tour of local schools, talking with young kids about staying focused and working towards achieving their goals in life.

While Mercer (36-7, 26 KO) hasn’t fought since 2008, and Holyfield (44-10, 29 KO), while remaining active late in his career, hasn’t thrown hands since May of last year, fans can expect to see the competitiveness come out of these former champs.

In coming weeks more information will be provided as additional details and added fights are released.